AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CAUSES, EFFECTS AND REMEDY FOR MALNUTRITION IN UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN BARKIN LADI LGA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malnutrition is identified as one of the utmost significant universal health problems, and it affects a large number of children in developing countries including Nigeria. This study investigated the public health implications of malnutrition in under-five children in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The works of prominent authors were reviewed in line with the stated objectives. Data were collected both qualitatively and quantitatively using multistage cluster sampling technique to select the communities. Seven villages were randomly selected through balloting and clusters of 93 centers were selected from the seven villages. This study identified risk factors including poor hygiene, diet-related non-communicable diseases, and mortality to be significantly higher in children with malnutrition compared to normal children. The study also found that the educational and economic status of the parents correlated with the nutritional status of the children. The study recommends family planning education, improved provision of infrastructural facilities to rural communities, as well as economic empowerment and provision of security of lives and properties as remedies for the identified challenges.